Related Case Studies
Material handling automation
This case study is provided by TriFactor, our wholly owned subsidiary.
You can learn more about their material handling solutions here.
PROBLEM: TRIFACTOR EDGE™ PROCESS IMPROVEMENT
APH and the automotive parts industry experienced a steady rise in demand and therefore growth. APH currently fulfills orders for 115 stores, with an expected expansion to 150 stores in the next several years. In order to meet the needs of their customers, APH needed to increase their storage capacity and explore options for increasing throughput in the St. Cloud Distribution Center. APH contracted with TriFactor to begin the TriFactor Edge™ process, which starts with an engineering Needs Analysis.
SOLUTION:
TriFactor determined that a 2-level pick module would be the best use of APH’s floor and vertical space for order fulfillment. To increase throughput, a high-speed sortation system was implemented to move orders from picking to shipping. Spirals of 24vMDR conveyor were designed to carry orders from the second level of the pick module to the new tote divert sortation system. To increase APH’s pallet storage capacity, TriFactor demolished the current rack and installed new pushback pallet rack, skatewheel pallet flow rack, and selective pallet rack. Shelving and carton flow rack were also added to APH’s storage area. Due to APH’s high-demand distribution center, weekend tie-ins were required on all equipment installations. This schedule allowed TriFactor’s client to continue business as usual and not suffer from the costly consequences of downtime.
The project provided APH with the distribution capacity needed for their current and future demand requirements. TriFactor delivered the system on time and under budget.
